Reds Supporters take Barnsley into Europe for Men United!

23 June 2015

A group of Reds supporters recently raised £5,362 on Prostate Cancer UK’s sold-out football fundraiser – the London to Amsterdam Cycling Challenge.

More than 250 riders – including former international trio Terry Butcher, Matt Holland and Luther Blissett together with Preston North End boss Simon Grayson - cycled 145 miles from the Matchroom stadium, Leyton Orient FC to the Amsterdam Arena across two days raising more than £305,000 so far.

The team total adds to the significant contribution the club has made this season by raising a total of £6,448.06 from the ride, and from their match day collection.

The money raised will go towards supporting the 300,000 men living with prostate cancer in the UK, and funding ground breaking research to beat a disease which currently affects one in eight men in the UK.

Director of Fundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, Mark Bishop said: “To see Barnsley and our ever-extending football family come together over two never-to-be-forgotten days and raise a phenomenal total is another example of the power of Men United.

“It’s amazing to think that back in 2013 Luther was one of 35 hardy souls taking on the challenge for the first time, so its fair to say its really caught the imagination – and raised a substantial amount of money.

“This year‘s ride was bigger and better than ever. 250 riders representing clubs up and down the land convened for brilliant demonstration of what we call Men United: people joining one team to fight a common opposition – prostate cancer.

Rob Davies who represented Barnsley FC in the challenge said “Our team had a fantastic time on the ride. We have some brilliant memories and made some great friends along the way, and it’s a really fun way to raise money. None of us had ever done road cycling before, so it's been great way to discover a new hobby and get fit along the way! The way the challenge was organised by the Prostate Cancer UK team was absolutely superb and we can't wait to take part again next year. We’re proud to be part of Men United and look forward to the 2016 L2A Challenge where we hope to recruit an even bigger team to represent the Reds! This year's event sold out early so we'd encourage any Barnsley fans who are interested in taking part next year to sign up for updates via the Prostate Cancer UK website (link below) and you'll be the first to know when 2016 registration opens. Even if you've never got on a bike before, don't worry, with the right training you'll be ready for the challenge. We hope to see you on the starting line in 2016!”